Jenna Bush Hager participates in the ice bucket challenge with Carson Daly on April 21, 2025. Photo:
NBC
- Jenna Bush Gager participated in the recently revitalized ice bucket challenge during the April 21 episode of the Today show
- The original trend raised money for ALS research in 2014, but students at the University of South Carolina are now using it to raise awareness about mental health
- Today show co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly also did the challenge, nominating stars such as Blake Shelton and Scarlett Johansson to keep it going
Jenna Bush Hager is helping to reintroduce a vintage Internet challenge for a new cause.
On Monday, April 21, the Today show correspondent participated in a new ice bucket challenge during her Morning Boost segment. She shared how the 2014 challenge — which raised money for ALS research — has been revitalized in a new TikTok campaign from students at the University of South Carolina.
The Gamecocks created the #speakyourmind campaign to support mental health awareness through the non-profit Active Minds, so far raising more than $180,000 of their $250,000 goal.
Jenna Bush Hager participates in the ice bucket challenge on ‘Today’ on April 21, 2025. NBC
“So guys, should we jump in on this trend again?” Bush Hager, 43, asked her co-anchors.
“Well, you started it last time. I think you should,” Craig Melvin jokingly replied.
“Alright, but before I get in on the splash zone, I’d like to nominate some people — Savannah [Guthrie], Craig, since you did it to me last time, Al Roker and Carson [Daly],” the Today with Jenna & Friends anchor teased.
Daly stood behind Bush Hager at the anchor desk, pouring ice cold water over her live on the air as she gasped.
Jenna Bush Hager participates in ice bucket challenge on ‘Today’ on April 21, 2025. NBC
“I was told they weren’t going to do too much water!” Bush Hager exclaimed, seemingly shocked by the moment.
“Carson, was a Gatorade bucket not available?” Guthrie quipped.
The daughter of former President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush got her revenge while out on the Today Show Plaza later in the episode, pouring water on both Daly and Guthrie.
While Daly nominated his pal Blake Shelton, Guthrie began naming several stars including Jimmy Fallon, Olivia Munn and Scarlett Johansson.
Jenna Bush Hager pours water on Carson Daly and Savannah Guthrie on the ‘Today’ Show Plaza on April 21, 2025. NBC
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Bush Hager last participated in an ice bucket challenge on the Today show in 2014 as Melvin poured a bucket of water on her on the Today Show Plaza for ALS research. The popular trend was also done by stars like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates back in the day. It raised more than $115 million in 2014 alone.
In March, the Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club at USC launched their #SpeakYourMind campaign on Instagram. They have been using their challenge to raise money for Active Minds, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit that’s the largest in the U.S. for youth and young adults centered on changing the stigma around mental health.
